Cordon and search in Valaichenai

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 06 October 1999, 13:18 GMT]Sri Lanka Army (SLA) soldiers conducted a cordon and search operation in the hamlets of Puthukkudiyiruppu, Paythaalai, Kannankiramam, and Union Colony in Valaichenai, 32 km. north of Batticaloa from the early hours of the morning today.

The villagers were summoned to the playground and questioned. Houses were also searched, sources said.

Four youths were detained for further questioning and were later released. The operation lasted till noon, sources said.

Sources in Valaichenai said the Tamil hamlets are being regularly searched by the troops. Today's operation is the third in the last four days, they added.